Cancer vaccine plus immunotherapy shows promise in advanced lung and Head/Neck tumors

NCT ID NCT02955290

First seen Nov 10, 2025 · Last updated Jun 20, 2026 · Updated 27 times

Summary

This phase I/II trial is testing whether adding the CIMAvax vaccine (which targets a growth factor that tumors need) to standard immunotherapy drugs (nivolumab or pembrolizumab) can better control advanced non-small cell lung cancer and squamous head/neck cancer. The study involves 51 participants and aims to find the safest dose and measure survival and tumor response. The vaccine is designed to boost the immune system's attack on cancer cells, while the immunotherapy drugs help remove brakes on immune cells.

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This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Good Samaritan Hospital

    West Islip, New York, 11795, United States

  • Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center

    Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, United States

  • Roswell Park Cancer Institute

    Buffalo, New York, 14263, United States

  • St. Francis Hospital

    Roslyn, New York, 11576, United States

  • University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center

    Cleveland, Ohio, 44106, United States

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

CIMAvax vaccine (EGF vaccine) combined with nivolumab or pembrolizumab (immunotherapy drugs)

What this could lead to

If successful, this combination could offer a new treatment option that helps control advanced lung and head/neck cancers, potentially extending survival.

What could go wrong

This is an early-phase trial with only 51 participants, so results may not apply broadly. Side effects from the vaccine and immunotherapy can be serious, and the approach may not work for everyone.

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

head and neck squamous cell carcinoma lung neoplasm non-small cell lung carcinoma Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.